LETTERS. 



sure to liear of jou, and of poetry ; for, since I came 

 here, I have not only been utterly shut out from all in- 

 tercourse with the lettered world, but have totally laid 

 aside the pen of inspiration, I have been actuated to 

 this by a sense of duty ; for I wish to prove that I have 

 not coveted the ministerial office through the desire of 

 learned leisure, but with an ardent wish to do my duty 

 as a teacher of the truth. I should blush to present my- 

 self as a candidate for that office in an unqualified and 

 unprepared state ; and as I have placed my idea of the 

 necessary qualifications very high, all the time between 

 now and my taking my degree will be little enough for 

 these purposes alone. I often, however, cast a look of 

 fond regret to the darling occupations of my younger 

 hours, and the tears rush into my eyes as I fancy I see 

 the few wild flowers of poetic genius with which I have 

 been blessed withering with neglect. Poetry has been 

 to me something more than amusement ; it has been a 

 cheering companion when I have had no other to fly to, 

 and a delightful solace when consolation has been in 

 some measure needful. I cannot, therefore, discard so 

 old and faithful a friend without deep regret, especially 

 when I reflect that, stung by my ingratitude, he may de- 

 sert me for ever ! 



* * * * 



With regard to your intended publication, you do me 

 too much honour by inserting my puerilities along with 

 such good company as I know I shall meet there. I wish 

 I could present you with some sonnets worthy of your 

 work. I have looked back amongst my old papers, and 

 find a few verses under that name, which were written 

 between the time when " Clifton Grove" was sent to the 

 press and its final appearance. The looking over these 

 papers has recalled a little of my old warmth, and I 

 have scribbled some lines, which, as they owe their rise 

 to your letter, I may fairly (if I have room) present to 

 you. I cannot read the sonnets which I have found 

 amongst my papers with pleasure, and therefore I shall 

 not presume to show them to you. I shall anxiously ex- 

 pect the publication of your work. 



